With the NCAA tournament coming to its final stages, one of collegiate volleyball’s biggest individual honors is set to be given to a player very soon. Nebraska Volleyball setter Bergen Reilly, Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer, Pittsburgh opposite hitter Olivia Babcock, and Kentucky outside hitter Eva Hudson have all been named as the finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year Award.
The award was first introduced in the early 1990s and is given to a player based on their kills, digs, blocks, and overall impact during the season.
Reilly Poised To Earn Another Individual Honor Despite Nebraska Volleyball’s Exit At NCAA Tournament
Nebraska Volleyball entered the season as the team to beat, but their championship dreams were dashed in the NCAA Regional final by Texas A&M on December 14 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers wrapped up a remarkable 33-1 campaign, falling just short of their first national title since 2017.
Reilly, Nebraska’s standout setter, is now vying for the AVCA National Player of the Year Award. This season, she racked up 73 kills, 67 blocks, and 19 aces, while orchestrating Nebraska’s offense to a school-record .351 hitting percentage. Her trophy case grew even fuller with honors as Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Setter of the Year, and a third consecutive All-Big Ten First Team selection.
Against Texas A&M, Reilly delivered a stellar performance, notching 58 assists and 13 digs for a double-double. As her junior year wraps up, she is already setting her sights on leading Nebraska to a national title next season.
Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly Makes Feelings Known On Regional Final Loss
Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly has enjoyed a successful first season in charge of the team, winning the Big Ten Championship and remaining undefeated until their loss to the Aggies. Busboom Kelly took over following the retirement of legendary head coach John Cook, who was in the role from 2000 to 2025.
In a post-match press conference, Busboom Kelly expressed her thoughts on the match, praising her team’s resilience as they nearly pulled off an amazing comeback in the dramatic five-set loss. (0:08 onwards)
“Obviously, a really awesome game by Texas A&M and they played like they had six seniors on the court. I’m proud of the way we fought back, we played our hearts out and had a lot of things against us this week and we still were that close. So, I’m just proud of the way we finished that match and I’m super proud of our seniors.”
Busboom Kelly’s stellar leadership earned her AVCA West Region Coach of the Year honors in her very first season. With her at the helm, Nebraska’s hunger for a national championship is only growing stronger.
